Wilson Tool appoints new executives

December 18, 2012

Wilson Tool International, White Bear Lake, Minn., a provider of tooling systems for punch presses and press brakes and punch and die components for the stamping industry, has announced the appointments of Chris Lawless as president and Paul Johnson as president of new business development, starting Jan. 1, 2013.

As president, Lawless will be responsible for managing the company's operations in North and South America. He joined the firm in 1992 and helped create its first manufacturing engineering department. He has served as vice president of operations for the punching division since 2002, during which time he managed the implementation of the company's SAP system.

Lawless earned a degree in industrial engineering from Iowa State University and an MBA in finance with an emphasis on venture capitalism from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.

In the newly created position of president of new business development, Johnson will lead the company's exploration of new business opportunities. He has been with the company since 1987, holding various leadership positions. Since 2001 Johnson has been vice president of operations for the press brake and stamping divisions.